HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Departmental Budget PresentationCity of Virginia Beach
Proposed FY 2026-27
Planning Department
Kathy Warren, Planning Director
April 21, 2026
1
Trends & Issues
2
•Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) combined the Erosion and
Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Programs.
•Planning and Public Works worked to update and combine Virginia Beach’s combined
Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance.
Implementation of
Revised Stormwater
Management Regulations
•Continued efforts to improve the data accuracy and reporting capability of the Accela
software for permitting, licensing, code enforcement, and service request
management are underway.
•The customer service dashboard allows a transparent look at the expected workflow
timelines.
VBStat Implementation
•The final format of the updated Comprehensive Plan is set for City Council adoption in
2026.
•Several rounds of public engagement meetings, focus groups, and workshops have
been held to gain feedback from the community on the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Comprehensive Plan
Update
Trends & Issues Continued
3
•Planning is partnering with Human Resources to implement targeted strategies
such as streamlining hiring processes, increasing utilization of hiring bonuses and
hiring above minimums, and fostered partnerships with talent recruiters. Staffing
•Nineteen recommendations for improvement from the Short-Term Rental Task
Force have been implemented including adding Zoning Inspector positions,
increased annual permit fee, and non-refundable application fee.
Short-Term Rental
Enforcement
•To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, enhanced
July 4th fireworks and helping plan multiple events in partnership with the Sons
and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
VA250
Commission
Trends & Issues Continued
4
•The Planning Department is tracking monthly front counter visits and incoming
phone calls to strengthen operational awareness and service delivery.
•This data supports informed decision-making, enhanced transparency, and
provides measurable insight into how Planning is serving the community.
Customer Service
•Staff initiated a condition assessment for each of the 26 state historical highway
markers located in Virginia Beach and will coordinate an initiative with the
Historic Preservation Commission to accomplish refurbishment of damaged
markers.
Historical Highway
Markers
Major Budget Changes
5
•A recommendation included as a part of the Comprehensive Study to update the
Zoning Ordinance last update in 1988.
•The update is designed to support City Council initiative to encourage affordable
housing and development within the Strategic Growth Areas.
Zoning Ordinance Study
$1,750,000
•North Landing River & Albemarle Sound Estuarine Symposium is an annual
conference hosted by the Green Ribbon Committee to bring together
professionals working in the Southern Rivers Watershed.
•The event has been absorbed by Planning previously and the budget will now
reflect the Symposium as a planned and funded event.
North Landing
River/Albemarle Sounds
Estuarine Symposium
Net $0
Questions?
6